Five Queenslanders in Junior Matildas squad bound for Bishkek

August 28, 2018

Westfield Junior Matildas Head Coach Rae Dower has selected five Queensland players in her 23-player squad for the 2019 AFC Under 16 Women’s Championship Qualifiers in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic next month.

Football Queensland (FQ) State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer was pleased with the strong contingent of Queensland representatives.

“This is a great recognition for our players and also justifies the excellent work our development coaches do,” he said.

“I am sure there will be many other players from our state in the next few years who will be able to gain international experience with the Junior and Young Matildas.”

“Female football is one of the key areas in Football Queensland’s strategy and we have exciting plans to work even closer with our community, NPLW clubs and Brisbane Roar to provide more opportunities for talented female footballers.”

As for the tournament itself, Australia will compete in Group D of the 2019 AFC Under 16 Women’s Championship Qualifiers, and will come up against Palestine, Indonesia, hosts Kyrgyz Republic, and Chinese Taipei.

Finishing first in Group D would guarantee the Westfield Junior Matildas a place at next year’s AFC U16 Women’s Championship, which will be held in Thailand.

Next year’s AFC Under 16 Women’s Championship will also double as the qualification competition for the 2020 FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in a yet-to-be determined nation.

Dower said she’s excited to lead the group – which includes players as young as 13 – to central Asia.

“I’m really excited to announce the team to take the first step towards qualifying for the 2020 FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup,” said Dower.

“We’ve been able to see them [the players] play at the National Training Centre and National Youth Championships.”

“We’ve selected a balanced team with plenty of skill and creativity and we’re really looking forward to our first game [against Palestine] on September 17.

“The depth and quality of players across this age group is increasing exponentially and it is a real privilege to be able to help them take this step towards achieving their goal of one day become a Westfield Matilda.”

Following their first match against Palestine, the Westfield Junior Matildas will play Indonesia on September 19, then hosts Kyrgyz Republic on September 21, rounding out their qualification campaign against Chinese Taipei on September 23.